Country music legend George Jones died Friday, April 26, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 81. Above: Jones poses for a portrait circa 1975.
(CNN) -- As one of country music's greatest, it's fitting that George Jones' legacy will be honored with a funeral at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.
The iconic venue will host the service for the late country legend at 10 a.m. CT Thursday, and it will be open to the public.
"George would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family," publicist Kirt Webster said.
Jones, whose vocals gave life to some of country's most memorable songs, died at 81 on Friday in Nashville. He had been hospitalized since April 18 with a fever and irregular blood pressure.
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RIP George Jones, and thank you for the music
Fans and friends, both famous and nonfamous, have been honoring Jones' memory with tweets and remarks on the impact he had on country music.
"Thanks to George's friends, fans, and loved ones for the outpouring of love at this terrible time," Jones' wife, Nancy, said in a statement. "I love you all."
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Before Thursday's funeral, a private visitation will take place Wednesday evening for family, friends and other performers.
CNN's Douglas Hyde contributed to this report.
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Jones poses for a portrait in Nashville circa 1956.
Jones performs with his band on stage for the film, 'From Nashville With Music,' in 1969.
Country singer Tammy Wynette and Jones perform at Countryside Opry in Chicago in October 1980. Wynette and Jones were once married.
Jones and Barbara Mandrell pose during the 1991 Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Jones talks with reporters in Nashville before greeting protesters who were rallying in front of WSM Radio studios against radio format changes in January 2002.
Jones performs during Stagecoach, California's Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field in May 2008 in Indio, California.
Twyla Tharp, left, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman and Jones stand as they are honored during the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington.
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